Ambode asks new CJ to fast-track justice delivery

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, congratulating the new state Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke shortly after her swearing-in at the EXCO Chamber, Lagos House, Ikeja…yesterday

We’ll Stamp Out Corruption, Uphold Rule Of Law, New CJ Vows

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, told the new Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Opeyemi Oke, to pay special attention on speedy delivery of justice.
Ambode, who gave the charge during the swearing-in of Justice Oke as the 16th substantive CJ of the state, said though Lagos has made significant progress in this regard with the various reforms that have been initiated and implemented, he strongly believed it can do more by stepping up its efforts, so that the wheel of justice can roll faster and called for more reforms aimed at fast-tracking justice delivery without necessarily compromising the fundamental principle of fair hearing and the rule of law.”

In line with that, Ambode said the state government would establish a designated Commercial Courthouse to ensure speedy resolution of disputes, as well as drive commerce and enhance the ease of doing business in the state, adding: “It is hoped that this courthouse will accommodate all commercial related organs of the judiciary to drive commerce and improve the ease of doing business.”

The governor, who described the swearing-in ceremony as an affirmation of the belief of the present administration in the rule of law and the importance of the judiciary to the democratic system, said it was gratifying that the judiciary, since the emergence of Justice Idowu Conrad-Taylor as the first CJ of the State in 1967, had been the only democratic arm of government that had experienced a seamless transition in its leadership.

This, he noted, aptly qualified it as one of the most resilient institutions in the state and congratulated judiciary workers and all the past and present CJs for maintaining the integrity of the institution.

While congratulating Justice Oke, Ambode said the ceremony was a confirmation of her competence, experience and character to preside over the sacred temple of justice, just as he expressed absolute confidence in her intellectual capacity to steer the ship of the state’s judiciary on a smooth sail.

The governor, who alongside the CJ, are fellows of the United States Fulbright Scholarship of the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, said it was important for Justice Oke to see her appointment as a platform to sustain and improve on the enviable reputation the state judiciary had built for itself over the years. He assured that the executive would continue to cooperate with the judiciary in developing and implementing appropriate strategies to ensure justice is done speedily.

Justice Oke, in her response, thanked Ambode and other stakeholders for the confidence reposed in her, vowing to key into the governor’s vision to transform the state judiciary.

She vowed that the judiciary, under her, would uphold the rule of law in interpreting laws, stamp out all forms of official corruption and ensure speedy dispensation of justice, as well as improve public access, transparency and accountability to boost confidence of the public in the judiciary, among others.

Justice Oke was earlier sworn-in as the CJ in acting capacity on September 25, following the retirement of former CJ, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, on September 24. Her swearing-in as the substantive CJ, however, followed the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and confirmation by the Lagos State House of Assembly.